Remote Work/Digital Nomad Essentials
The shift to remote work has transformed our living spaces into multifunctional hubs. Whether you're a seasoned remote worker or new to the game, creating an effective home office setup and equipment to use when on the go as a digital nomad is crucial for productivity, comfort, and overall well-being.
Here are the essentials you can’t miss in your home office setup:
1. Ergonomic Chair
Spending long hours at your desk can take a toll on your body, especially your back and neck. An ergonomic office chair provides proper support and encourages good posture, reducing the risk of discomfort and long-term injuries. Look for chairs with adjustable height, lumbar support, and comfortable cushioning.
2. Adjustable Desk
An adjustable desk, or a sit-stand desk, offers the flexibility to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. This can help improve posture, reduce back pain, and increase energy levels. A desk with adjustable height ensures you can customise it to your ergonomic needs. In case you were wondering, of course, I don't travel with an adjustable desk 😂 so I use this instead - Nextstand.
3. Second Screen/ Monitor
Working on a small laptop screen for extended periods can strain your eyes and neck, so consider investing in a second screen. A dual-monitor setup can further enhance productivity, allowing you to multitask more efficiently.
I love using Espresso, The World’s Thinnest Portable Monitor. Use the Coupon code ’RemoteRebellion’ for a free Case with every monitor ordered.
4. Keyboard and Mouse
Opt for an external keyboard and mouse to improve your typing posture and reduce the strain on your wrists. Ergonomic options are available that can help prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Wireless models can also help reduce clutter on your desk.
I use a Logitech Mouse and Keyboard, but there are many other options on the market.
5. Good Lighting
Proper lighting reduces eye strain and creates a pleasant working environment. Natural light is best, so position your desk near a window if possible. Additionally, consider a desk lamp with adjustable brightness and colour temperature to ensure optimal lighting throughout the day.
6. Reliable Internet Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is non-negotiable for remote work. Ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to handle video calls, file uploads, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks. You might need a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh network system if you experience connectivity issues in your home.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones
Remote work often comes with distractions, whether it's noisy neighbours, household members, or street noise. Noise-cancelling headphones can help you stay focused and improve the quality of your virtual meetings by minimizing background noise.
I personally love the Bose 700 as they don’t just cancel the noise for me, but for those on the call it drowns out background noise. I’ve been on a call whilst a pub quiz was going on and the people on my call didn’t hear a thing!
Now, you may be thinking, this is all well and good, but I’m not working remotely, YET!
Let’s change that…
This week's newsletter is sponsored by Teacher's Friend, your complete guide to teaching English online or abroad from Vietnam to Costa Rica. Georgie offers TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language) courses both online and face to face which help you relocate easily to your ideal destination as an English Teacher or provide you with the freedom to teach English remotely and help you live the remote, digital nomad life you’ve already dreamt of.